Welcome to BlackPast 3.0

The wait is over—the new BlackPast.org is officially live! We’ve redesigned our site to bring you a modern, user-friendly experience that makes exploring Black history easier and more engaging than ever.

BlackPast is dedicated to providing reliable information on the history of Black people across the globe, and especially in North America. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of our common human experience through knowledge of the diversity of the Black experience and the ubiquity of the global Black presence. Welcome to the largest online encyclopedia on African American and Global African history on the Internet.

Featured Article

Opal Lee spent years advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday. Her passion, persistence, and powerful voice helped bring national attention to a day that honors freedom and history. Find out more about Opal Lee’s inspiring journey by reading her entry.

In Defense of Black History

This editorial page is part of an ongoing effort to present the ideas and opinions of individuals both within and beyond BlackPast.org that address the pressing issues and challenges facing African Americans and people of African Ancestry around the world, which are rooted in their historical experiences.

The Interactive African American History Timeline

Discover the rich and inspiring stories of Black history through our interactive timeline, highlighting key moments and figures that have shaped our world. Dive in and explore how history connects to the present and inspires the future!

The African Capitals

Africa’s capitals are full of life, history, and culture. From the energy of Lagos to the charm of Cairo, each city has its own story to tell. Discover what makes these places special on our African Capitals page.

What’s New on BlackPast?

Pennsylvania counties|Robert Jones Abele (Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity)

Roscoe Dubois Draper (1919-2024)

Roscoe Dubois Draper, the last instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen, served during World War II and...

Gilbert H. Bradley, Jr. (1940-2018)

Gilbert H. Bradley, Jr. was a pioneering politician who became the first African American mayor of...

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (1952- )

Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, universally known as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah or "NNN," is the...

Explore More On BlackPast

Abdourahamane Tchiani (1960? – )

Abdourahamane Tchiani, known as Omar Tchiani, is the current head of state of Niger, having...

Lena Richard (1892–1950)

Lena Richard was a chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and frozen food entrepreneur. In 1949, she...
The African-American Philhellene James Jakob Williams (collection of EEF Museum of Philhellenism)

James Jacob Williams (1785-1829)

James Jacob Williams was an African American fugitive slave and soldier who fought for freedom on...

Lynn Hamilton (1930–2025)

Alzenia Lynn Hamilton was an American actress. She was born on April 25, 1930, to Nancy and Louis...

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